EIC Accelerator Step 1: What the Short Application Must Prove

EIC Accelerator Step 1 is not a light formality. It must prove that your innovation, market, team and funding need are strong enough to justify a full proposal.

Quick answer: Step 1 needs a short written form, pitch deck and video pitch. The application should show a high-risk innovation, strong market opportunity, credible team and clear reason why EIC Accelerator is the right route.

What Step 1 includes

According to the official EIC Accelerator page, the short proposal includes:

• A 12-page form

• A pitch deck of up to 10 slides

• A video pitch of up to 3 minutes

Short proposals may be submitted at any time and are evaluated in monthly batches.

What the evaluators need to understand

Common Step 1 mistakes

The most common mistake is writing a sales pitch instead of a grant case. Evaluators need to see the project logic, not only product enthusiasm.

Avoid:

• Generic market claims

• Vague technical novelty

• No evidence of customer need

• A team section that lists titles but not execution capability

• A video that repeats the deck without adding clarity

How to prepare

Before drafting, collect:

• Product and technology summary

• Market evidence

• Competitor and alternative analysis

• Team credentials

• Funding need

• Development plan

• Customer or pilot evidence

What to do next

Start with Cogrant: check Step 1 readiness before you spend time on the 12-page form, deck and video.

FAQ

Is EIC Accelerator Step 1 easy?

It is shorter than the full proposal, but it still needs a strong strategic case.

Can I submit Step 1 anytime?

The official EIC Accelerator page states that short proposals can be submitted at any time and are batched for evaluation.

What happens after Step 1?

If Step 1 receives a positive evaluation, you can prepare a full proposal for a later batch date.

Should I use AI for Step 1?

AI can help structure drafts, but the core fit and evidence should be checked by someone who understands the programme.